Job Description

Position description
Category
Quality / HSE - Quality Control
Job Title
Chemist I
Company Details
Novocol Pharma is a growing contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), specialized in sterile injectable cartridges and combination product manufacturing. We strive for excellence and customer-centricity to deliver value to global pharmaceutical clients through contract services for drug development and commercial manufacturing. With over 40 years in operation, our team of 600 employees and modern facilities, located in Cambridge, Ontario provide a personalized and responsive experience for our customers. We are focused on serving our strategic partners and patients with quality, integrity, and value.
Our employees are our number one asset! We offer developmental opportunities, excellent compensation and benefit programs, discounted gym memberships, work/life balance programs, employee recognition, social events and spirit days.
We are a proud member of the Septodont group of companies. Septodont is a pharmaceutical and medical device company with a global leadership position in dental pain management. The group counts over 2000+ employees worldwide and has remained a 100% family owned company for over 90 years. Our Cambridge facility serves as a significant manufacturing site within the Septodont group with high volume dental anesthetic production for a global customer base.
We have an opportunity for a Chemist I.
Job Summary
Chemist I is an entry-level position and is accountable to the Department Supervisor. The Chemist I is responsible for performing various analytical activities associated with incoming materials, bulk, finished products, stability and complaints.
Responsibilities
There are various functional areas within the chemistry laboratory to which a Chemist I will be assigned. In addition to the general responsibilities, the Chemist I will be assigned a focus area as outlined below. Note that while a person may be predominantly involved in one specific area, cross-training may be performed as needed to support other areas.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Completes testing in accordance with internal policies, procedures and specifications.
• Reviews testing performed by other analysts as needed.
• Maintains and calibrates laboratory equipment.
• Provides support during internal and external audits as required.
• Follows GMP and regulatory requirements, and ensures quality standards are met.
• Notifies management of deviations, out of trend, suspect or out of specification results in a timely manner and participates in investigations as necessary.
• Observes and supports all safety guidelines and regulations.
• Demonstrates the Company Mission, Vision and Values Statements, policies, and current standard business practices.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

FOCUS AREA - BULK/FINISHED PRODUCT/COMPLAINTS

• Performs chemical and functionality testing for commercial drug product samples, including bulk, in process, finished product and complaints.
• Completes testing of non-routine samples related to special studies, investigations, validation etc.

FOCUS AREA - RAW MATERIALS

• Performs chemical testing of commercial raw materials, including excipients and APIs as well as some operating supplies (e.g., disinfectants).
• Testing is performed using internal methods or various compendia (USP, EP, FCC)

FOCUS AREA - COMPONENTS/OPERATING SUPPLIES/IMPORTED FINISHED PRODUCTS

• Performs testing of incoming materials used by Production for commercial products:

• Primary Components e.g., product contact items such as cartridges, plungers, caps, plastic bottles
• Printed Materials e.g., printed cartons, inserts, box end labels, cartridge labels
• Operating Supplies e.g., filters, tubing, sterile materials
• Secondary Components e.g., backing paper, PVC film
• Devices e.g., auto injectors
• Completes verification testing of Imported Finished Products prior to shipping.

FOCUS AREA - STABILITY AND ANALYTICAL SERVICES

• Performs testing of stability samples for both commercial and non-commercial products using equipment such as HPLC, UPLC, ICP-OES, GC, Ion chromatograph, Optical comparator and other wet chemistry techniques.
• Performs testing of raw materials, components and other incoming items needed for development or other non-commercial purposes.
• Completes testing of non-routine samples related to special studies e.g., bulk hold studies, cleaning validation and process validation samples.
• Performs Technology Transfer for analytical methods from CDMO and R&D labs to Stability and Analytical Services department.

Qualifications
Education

• Degree or diploma in Chemistry or related discipline.

Experience

• One to two years of experience in pharmaceutical or related industry is an asset.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proven analytical skills with the ability to solve problems.
• Proficient time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work in a self-directed team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office application especially Excel.
• Experience with Empower and LIMS is an asset.

What we offer:

• Excellent compensation/benefits package.
• Bonus and reward programs
• Discounted gym memberships
• Programs supporting work life balance
• Employee recognition program
• Professional and personal development programs
• Social events and spirit days

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and thank all applicants in advance; however, we will be corresponding only with those selected for an interview.
In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, we are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free recruitment and selection process.
Recruitment Fraud - please be aware of recruitment fraud. Novocol Pharmaceutical of Canada Inc. will never ask for banking information, money or any personal information up front. We will only respond to official applications submitted through our careers site. In addition, we will only use official corporate e-mail addresses (septodont.com or novocolpharma.com) to communicate with applicants. Should you be contacted without submitting an application, please delete the message and advise your e-mail provider.
Internal Job Posting Grade 7. The due date for internal applicants to apply for this role is May 5. 2025.
Contract type
Permanent
Candidate criteria
Minimum level of education required
2- College
Minimum level of experience required
Less than 2 years